UTM tracking for custom QR links
This guide shows how to add Google Analytics UTM parameters to a QR code by using the Custom Page action and pasting a UTM-tagged link into Page URL. This helps you attribute traffic, sales, and other events in Google Analytics.
What are UTM parameters?
UTM parameters are short tags added to the end of a link (URL). When someone scans your QR code and opens that link, Google Analytics can record the campaign details.
A typical UTM link looks like this:
https://www.yourstore.com/products/branded-baseball-cap?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring_saleYou can use any landing page you want (homepage, product page, collection page, or a dedicated campaign page). The key is that the final URL you paste into Page URL includes your UTM parameters.
Step 1: Build your UTM link
Create a URL that points to the page you want customers to land on, then add UTM parameters.
See Google's documentation at https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/10917952?hl=en for advice on generating these.
Step 2: Create a QR code using Custom Page
In your Shopify admin sidebar, go to Apps → QuiQR Codes.
From the Dashboard, click Create QR Code (top-right). You can also start from the dashboard Setup Guide card if it’s shown.
In Name, enter a recognisable label so you can find it later under Manage QR Codes (for example, Spring Sale – Flyer).
Use Description (Optional) to record placement details like front counter, bag insert, or trade show booth.
Open the Action dropdown and select Custom Page. The Page URL field appears.
Paste your full UTM-tagged link into Page URL (including the ? and UTM parameters). Then check the Preview panel on the right to confirm the QR code updates.
Click Save in the top-right. (Use Discard if you don’t want to keep your changes.)
Step 3: Download and use the QR code
Go to Apps → QuiQR Codes → Manage QR Codes to open the QR Code Manager list.
Click your code to open the Edit QR Code page. In the right-side Preview panel, find Format and Download QR Code.
Select PNG or SVG in Format, then click Download QR Code.
Print tip: Choose SVG when sending your QR code to a designer or print shop so it stays sharp at any size.
How to verify it’s working
1) Test the scan
Scan the QR code with your phone camera.
Confirm the browser opens the correct page.
In the browser address bar, verify the URL includes your
utm_parameters.
2) Confirm scans in QuiQR Codes
Open Apps → QuiQR Codes to view the Dashboard tiles (including Total Scans). This helps validate that the code is being used.
3) Confirm attribution in Google Analytics
In Google Analytics, look for your campaign values (for example, utm_campaign=spring_sale) in your acquisition/campaign reporting.
Expect a delay: Analytics reporting may not update instantly. If you don’t see activity right away, wait a few minutes and try again.
Best practices for tracking sales and other events
Use one QR code per placement: Create separate QR codes (with different UTM values) for different locations like packaging vs posters. Use the Name field to label each placement clearly.
Keep UTM values readable: Use lowercase and underscores (example:
spring_sale) to avoid duplicates in analytics.
FAQ
Use Custom Page when you want full control of the exact link (including UTM parameters) via the Page URL field. If you use Product or Collection, the app links directly to the selected item, but this guide specifically covers UTM tracking using a custom link.
Long links generally work, but they’re easier to mistype and harder to visually check. If you use a short, trackable link you control, paste that full shortened URL into Page URL and still include UTMs (if your short-link tool preserves them).
If you change the destination URL on the Edit QR Code page, download the QR code again to ensure the printed/digital asset you share matches your latest settings.